PLUS FREE Barrier Reef Cruise

Reef & Rainforest with Green Island

Reefs, rain forest, rivers and rapids on this Aussie adventure in Queensland

On this wonderful tour of northern Queensland you begin and end in the tropical city of Cairns and in between drive to Cape Tribulation, the Atherton Tablelands and Mission Beach. Along the way you can explore steamy rain forests, relax on golden sand beaches, try an adventure trip on a raging river and learn about the fascinating history of this colourful region of Australia. You will drive yourself so it is up to you how much time you spend at any one destination before moving on.

Tour Highlights

Cape Tribulation ·

Atherton Tablelands ·

Mission Beach ·

Cairns ·

Full Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns to Cape Tribulation

Pick up your Thrifty Medium sedan rental car in downtown Cairns or at the city airport and drive north to Cape Tribulation. Travel along the Captain Cook Highway perhaps stopping for lunch at Port Douglas. Pass through the town of Mossman and then cross the Daintree River by ferry continuing to Cape Tribulation where you stay overnight.

Standard Rate Cape Trib Beach House

Day 2: Cape Tribulation

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the Cape Tribulation area. The resort can arrange River Wildlife Cruises, fishing, rain forest walks, horse riding and cycling. Cape Tribulation is one of the truly magnificent areas of Australia with its lush tropical rain forests, crystal clear swimming creeks, long sandy beaches and plenty of things to see and do

Standard Rate Cape Trib Beach House

Day 3: Cape Tribulation to Atherton Tablelands

Today head south crossing the Daintree River again then take the turn-off to Mareeba along the picturesque Developmental Road, passing through Mount Molloy, Mareeba and on to Yungaburra. Atherton is the 'capital' of the Tropical Tablelands, a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, rich red soil and tropical rain forest. Here the temperature is cooler, the pace is slower and there is a feeling of relaxation in the air.

Standard Rate Atherton Blue Gum

Day 4: Atherton Tablelands

Today is free to explore the Atherton Tablelands and its surrounds. Take the four mile track around Lake Eacham, pausing to view the two giant kauris. Some of the many animals that inhabit the park, including the colourful Boyd's forest dragon, amethystine python and eastern water dragon, can sometimes be seen from the track. Lake cruises operate from the tea house.

Standard Rate Atherton Blue Gum

Day 5: Atherton to Mission Beach

Head off early towards Innisfail, taking a short stop at Millaa Millaa Falls on the
way. Continue south to Mission Beach. Hugging the coast for about 11 miles. Mission Beach takes in a handful of villages and is a relaxed, yet vibrant beachfront town with more than 11 miles of magnificent golden sandy beaches. Here two World Heritage areas, The Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rain forest, come together to form a tropical paradise. With all that rain, the nearby Tully River is one of the best places in Australia to go white water rafting.

Standard Rate Castaways On The Beach

Day 6: Mission Beach

Spend a day relaxing in Mission Beach or experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Tully River. Rafting companies operate daily and provide transfers from Mission Beach . The nearby Misty Mountains Trails will challenge even the best bush walker or you can just stay put and relax on the beach or take a trip out to one of the great Barrier Reef islands.

Standard Rate Castaways On The Beach

Day 7: Mission Beach to Cairns

Leave Mission Beach today via the Bruce Highway and head towards Cairns stopping at the town of Innisfail. Another interesting stop is at the Johnstone River Crocodile Farm at Flying Fish Point. Your tour comes to an end today but there may be time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing in Cairns before you take your car back and head for the airport for your onward flight or journey home.